The EHR Didn't Cause The Ebola Death

We were all saddened when we heard of the death of Thomas Duncan, the first patient diagnosed with Ebola virus in our country, and immediately the blame game started. Apparently, Duncan had been seen previously in the ED and sent home without an accurate diagnosis or treatment. News slowly leaked out that his travel history never reached the treating provider even though it has been determined that it was documented in his electronic health record (EHR). Still, for whatever reason, it was not communicated and overlooked. By Linda M. Girgis, MD, FAAFP